The Plight of the Firstborn in Genesis: Implications for Africa
Gerald Emem Umoren

Abstract
The first born - especially the first son - is given prime place in Africa and much is expected of him in the furtherance of patrimony. Even with its attendant problems, it is culturally unacceptable, in Africa, to transfer primogeniture to another sibling unless in case of death. This is why the plight of Biblical firstborns like Cain, Ishmael, Esau, Reuben and Manasseh, puzzles the African mind. This research employs a combination of exegetical, descriptive and analytical methods to examine the implications of this Biblical provision and draw lessons there from. The results and findings provide an objective appreciation of primogeniture for any people, and promise to be rewarding both for Biblical scholarship and for socio-cultural harmony especially in Africa.

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